What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is someone who diagnoses and treats a patient’s hearing and balance problems using advanced technology and procedures. The majority of audiologists work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, physicians' offices, and audiology clinics, and some work in schools.

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What does an Audiologist do?

An audiologist will use audiometers, computers, and other devices to test patients' hearing ability and balance, determine the extent of hearing damage, and identify the underlying cause.
They typically do the following:

Examine patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems

Assess the results of the examination and diagnose problems

Determine and administer treatment

Fit and dispense hearing aids

Counsel patients and their families on ways to listen and communicate, such as by lip reading or through sign language

See patients regularly to check on hearing and balance and to continue or change the treatment plan

Keep records on the progress of patients

Conduct research related to the causes and treatment of hearing and balance disorders

Audiologists measure the volume at which a person begins to hear sounds and the person's ability to distinguish between sounds. Also, before determining treatment options, they evaluate psychological information to measure the impact of hearing loss on a patient. Treatment options vary and may include cleaning wax out of ear canals, fitting and checking hearing aids, or fitting and programming the patient with cochlear implants to improve hearing. (Cochlear implants are tiny devices that are placed under the skin near the ear in an operation. Cochlear implants deliver electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve in the brain so a person with certain types of deafness can hear.) Audiologists also counsel patients on other ways to cope with profound hearing loss, such as learning to lip-read or using sign language.

Some audiologists specialize in working with the elderly or with children (pediatric audiologist). Others design products to help protect the hearing of workers on the job. Audiologists who are self-employed build a client base, hire employees, keep records, order equipment and supplies, and do other tasks related to running a business.

What is the workplace of an Audiologist like?

Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, physicians' offices, or audiology clinics. Some work in schools. Although not physically demanding, the job requires attention to detail, intense concentration and critical thinking.